1 sacrament | Definition of sacrament

sacrament

noun
sac·​ra·​ment | \ ˈsa-krə-mənt How to pronounce sacrament (audio) \

Definition of sacrament

1a : a Christian rite (such as baptism or the Eucharist) that is believed to have been ordained by Christ and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality
b : a religious rite or observance comparable to a Christian sacrament

2 capitalized

3 : something likened to a religious sacrament saw voting as a sacrament of democracy

Examples of sacrament in a Sentence

They stood in line to receive the Sacrament.

Recent Examples on the Web

This month, Hollas -- now the Rev. Deanna Hollas -- was ordained by the Presbyterian Church USA, the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, as a minister of word and sacrament. — Leah Asmelash And Katherine Dillinger, CNN, "The largest Presbyterian denomination in the US has ordained a minister of gun violence prevention," 30 July 2019 Pontikes has accused DiNardo of negligence in her case for not pursuing the issue of confession, also known as the sacrament of reconciliation. — Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, "Allegations against top Texas priest under review," 8 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sacrament.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sacrament

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for sacrament

Middle English sacrement, sacrament, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin sacramentum, from Latin, oath of allegiance, obligation, from sacrare to consecrate

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More Definitions for sacrament

sacrament

noun

English Language Learners Definition of sacrament

: an important Christian ceremony (such as baptism or marriage)
: the bread and wine that are eaten and drunk during the Christian ceremony of Communion

sacrament

noun
sac·​ra·​ment | \ ˈsa-krə-mənt How to pronounce sacrament (audio) \

Kids Definition of sacrament

: a Christian religious act or ceremony that is considered especially sacred

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More from Merriam-Webster on sacrament

Spanish Central: Translation of sacrament

Nglish: Translation of sacrament for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sacrament for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sacrament

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